Phil Parkinson is the new City boss – and he could announce his arrival with two signings.

As reported in the T&A on Saturday, the 43-year-old former Charlton, Colchester and Hull boss is the club’s choice to succeed Peter Jackson.

Parkinson will meet his new squad at training for the first time today, although it is uncertain whether he will take charge against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow or Colin Cooper will continue.

Parkinson could also be joined at Valley Parade over the next couple of days by two of his old players.

City are in talks to sign Charlton’s former Dagenham striker Paul Benson after the Londoners accepted their bid, which is understood to be a lot lower than the reported £150,000 buy-out figure.

They are also hopeful of snapping up winger Kyel Reid, who is a free agent since leaving The Valley in the summer.

Stuart McCall’s Motherwell and two League One clubs are also in for the 23-year-old, who is described as a very attack-minded wideman. But City are believed to be his favoured destination.

City will look to get both deals done by 11pm on Wednesday when the transfer window shuts.

Parkinson has been tipped to be a success by a former Bantam striker who knows his management style well.

Andy Gray played for him at Charlton and believes his old club have made the right choice.

Gray, now at Barnsley, said: “He is very clued up on his football and players and very thorough in what he does. I think it’s a really good appointment for Bradford.

“Phil did a fantastic job with Colchester and then did quite well under the circumstances at Charlton.

“It’s hard to judge him on that because it was a mammoth task and there was a lot going on at the time. Football wasn’t really top of the agenda because of the financial difficulties.

“It made the day-to-day running of the club very difficult but Phil did as well as could be expected.

“He’s young and very ambitious and Bradford are still a big draw. Obviously they’re not going to get back up the leagues overnight but I think in Phil they’ve found the perfect person.”